2/06/2017

Cities of Austin, San Francisco, Seattle, Tucson, Vancouver B.C., Washington D.C. and more honor the music and message of The Clash

Seattle – February 6, 2017 Tomorrow, February 7th, the world will band together to celebrate the music and message of The Clash by observing the fifth annualInternational Clash Day. A host of city and state governments will join radio stations from around the globe to acknowledge and celebrate the ongoing relevance of The Clash and their contributions to our cultural fabric.

“Know Your Rights,” the first single fromThe Clash album Combat Rock, is a biting take on the civil rights of the poor and disenfranchised.Celebrating the music and the message of The Clash is a way to stand up for those dispossessed of power and to revolt against that which would divide us. As Joe Strummer said, the future is unwritten and so it is up to all of us to write it. So, on February 7th, the music of The Clash will serve as the soundtrack to the hard work, resolve and commitment to upholding the values of a free society and an inclusive world.

“The message of The Clash, so influenced by the international sounds they grew up with, is both powerful and uplifting especially now in this time of struggle,” said KEXP Morning Show host and International Clash Day originator John Richards. “The Clash represent what KEXP is all about - music, rebellion, and pushing boundaries. KEXP is infused by international sounds, songs of protest and believe strongly in the power of the airwaves to affect change. That is why we are focusing on these three important pillars throughout the day. KEXP invites everyone to join us in celebrating this inclusive ‘public service announcement, with guitars.’”

The legacy of Joe Strummer and The Clash continues to be honored by the work of The Joe Strummer Foundation, which gives opportunities to musicians and support to projects around the world that create empowerment through music.

"Now, more than ever, we need to stand united and not be divided. It’s for this reason that we support International Clash Day,” said Steve Mullen of the Joe Strummer Foundation. “Anyone with a modicum of humanity can appreciate The Clash and the impact they had on the world. During the late 70s and early 80s they definitely earned the slogan ‘The Only Band That Matters’. Back then, political and social differences were being pushed to the extreme. And now the same is happening in many parts of the world, except this time we have social media to amplify & confuse the truth. International Clash Day esures new generations are aware that the band, through Joe’s snarling lyrics, called out the conspirators and united the people to stand up and be counted. As Joe Strummer once said: ‘Without people, you’re nothing’ and never a true enough phrase has been spoken."

Mayors and distinguished officials from the cities of Austin, Ithaca (NY), Kent (OH), San Francisco, Seattle, Tucson, Vancouver B.C. (Canada), Bridgwater (UK) and Washington D.C. alongside the governor of the State of Washington all have proclaimed February 7th as International Clash Day. These local governments all chose to celebrate The Clash and the message behind their music. Additionally, cities worldwide, including Austin, Tucson, Bridgwater (UK), Prague (CR), and Washington D.C., will host live events and performances commemorate the day.

Over 20 radio stations from across the United States will join stations from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the U.K. in dedicating special programming to The Clash.

KEXP will honor February 7thwith twelve hours of the music that inspired the band, and in turn they inspired, and how protest was central to their message of hope and change. The day’s programming, which begins at 6:00 a.m. PST, will also include the music Joe Strummer loved via his BBC Radio Program, London Calling, and throughout the day listeners will hear from Jon Langford of The Mekons, Roger Miller of Mission of Burma, Captain Sensible of The Damned, The Hold Steady's Craig Finn, Seattle musicians Kim Thayil (Soundgarden) and Tad, American Wrestlers and many more.

Click here to view an interactive map of International Clash Day celebrations and government proclamations from around the world, as well as an exclusive series of posters inspired by International Clash Day, compiled by Seattle’s Independence Printage.

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